Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Corpus Christi, Texas, for Art Lovers

As we dashed along the roads, bright colors and figures began to take shape, scattered along shop walls and alleyways. True Texas craftsmanship sprang to life on the streets of the city. While Texas isn’t short on artistic inspiration, Corpus Christi is leading the charge on spreading creativity while breathing new life into coastal Texas art.

Where to celebrate art in Corpus Christi

First Friday ArtWalk

If your visit falls on the first Friday of the month, like mine did, you’re in luck. Corpus Christi’s First Friday ArtWalk is a spirited event that combines the local art scene, pulsating musical acts, and the city’s vibrant culture. What began as a singular street event has transformed over the years into a downtown that’s alive with energy, all in celebration of the different forms of art and creativity that the city loves to share with the world.

You’ll want to get there early or ditch the car and walk if you can because this block party is incredibly popular, and it seems as if the entire city turns out each month. Not that I’m complaining — a giant turkey leg in one hand and an ice-cold Lone Star beer in the other while tapping my foot to a Steve Miller Band cover band is my idea of Heaven.

First Friday ArtWalk: Marina Arts District, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

K Space Contemporary

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K Space Contemporary is the engine that’s dedicated to promoting the arts throughout Corpus Christi. It’s a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that’s built to spread art awareness throughout the area and spearheads the extremely popular Dia de los Muertos festival each year and the First Friday ArtWalk in downtown Corpus Christi every month.

K Space Contemporary’s Mural Arts Program has, to date, completed 23 public artworks, which you can find spread out throughout the downtown area. Fun fact: The “K” stands for the Kress Five and Dime store that once occupied the building.

K Space Contemporary: 623 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Sew Bonita

Before I walked through the doors of Sew Bonita, I’d never sewn anything in my life. Now that I’ve completed an incredibly fun craft class here, I have a one-of-a-kind custom tote bag that I’ll always cherish because I made it myself — with tons of help from Elena Flores, the amazingly patient founder of Sew Bonita.

What began as a hobby and side hustle in 2014 has become a centerpiece of artistic energy and fun in the coastal city. Together with her graphic design guru husband, Gerald, Flores has turned her love for crafting into a successful business venture and a jewel of the art community in Corpus Christi. Not bad for someone who’s mainly self-taught in the art world.

Sew Bonita: 4719 S Alameda St, Suite B, Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Art Museum of South Texas

Aesthetes who visit the Art Museum of South Texas will find a collection of more than 1,800 pieces by artists such as Gary Komarin, Kermit Oliver, Dale Chihuly, and many more. Even the bayfront shellcrete structure that houses the art museum is an architectural beauty designed by celebrated architects Phillip Johnson and Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Bonus: Visitors can enjoy the Art Museum of South Texas for free on the first Friday of every month.

Art Museum of South Texas: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Art Center of Corpus Christi

The Art Center of Corpus Christi has appropriately dubbed itself a “thriving intersection of creativity and community.” This is the place where you can find local artists’ works for sale, take a class at the in-house clay studio to learn a new skill, shop at a weekly artisan market, or attend a concert in their courtyard. Each week, and on a seemingly everyday basis, the Art Center of Corpus Christi hosts an array of artistic performances and exhibits, opportunities, and art education classes for the public.

Art Center of Corpus Christi: 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Where food becomes art in Corpus Christi

Frida’s Mexican Restaurant

Frida’s is downtown Corpus Christi’s answer to the question “where should we go for breakfast?” The restaurant celebrates the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with replicated art by the famed artist.

It’s hard to beat the barbacoa breakfast plate for a hearty start to your day. Frida’s barbacoa is a slow-cooked Mexican meat dish served with eggs, beans, potatoes, and warm tortillas. Trust me when I say it is downright heavenly. I’m ashamed to say I fell short in finishing off my serving. When you stop in, maybe you’ll have better luck.

Frida’s Mexican Restaurant: 414 Starr St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill

The easiest decision you can make while visiting the Art Center of Corpus Christi is to stick around and enjoy a meal at Gallery 41. It has a gorgeous outdoor patio with unobstructed views of the bay, which is perfect for happy hour sunsets.

The hardest decision you might face is choosing between the John Bonham drum nachos and the incredible fried green tomatoes as your appetizer. Make it easy on yourself and do like I did: get both.

Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill: 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum

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There aren’t too many culinary experiences better than enjoying savory creations while surrounded by visionary crafts. This is where Elizabeth’s shines. The Mediterranean-inspired eatery is located inside the Art Museum of South Texas and offers tasty lunch options such as savory lamb burgers or, my pick, the tabbouleh grain bowl with chicken shawarma. It also gives patrons beautiful views of the harbor and the USS Lexington.

Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Retro

How many levels of Pac-Man can you beat while downing Hurricanes? At Retro, arcade games with a throwback aesthetic offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane for gamers of all ages (until 9 PM then it’s strictly 21 and up). This fun stop downtown has two levels of entertainment, plus a beautiful rooftop bar and classic drinks. And before you ask, yes, video games are art, as well.

Retro: 326 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Where the artistically inclined stay in Corpus Christi

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

The Omni Corpus Christi is a four-star hotel that rises above the downtown area. It’s just steps away from the bay shoreline and the marina, making it a great base for your coastal explorations. Plus, it comes with its own artistic revelations in terms of gastronomy.

Travelers in the know will tell you that on the 20th floor of the Omni is where you’ll find the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill, the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in the area. However, on the 2nd floor is where you’ll find the real insiders because they know that the bartenders at Caller and Critic serve up the best mezcal old fashioned in the city (Sotol mezcal, Aztec chocolate bitters, maple syrup, cherry and cinnamon stick garnish).

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel: 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Corpus Christi AirBNBs

A different side of the Gulf Coast Capital’s charm can be found in its Airbnb options. In the jewel of coastal Texas, visitors will find plenty of water adjacent condos, luxury guesthouses, and homes perfect for year-round travel plans along the coast.

Getting to and around Corpus Christi

United, Southwest, and American Airlines service Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) from destinations around Texas. The airport also features art, including cold-cast glass sculptures suspended from the ceiling, a model of the USS Lexington, and other installations ready to welcome visitors to the seaside town.

After touching down, the easiest way to navigate Corpus Christi is by car. The city offers plenty of free and paid parking options, which is convenient given the nature of its downtown. If you’re looking to explore the local art scene, such as the mural and art trail or the waterfront, then you’ll want to ditch your vehicle and explore on foot.

Visitors can also use the public bus system, which is budget-friendly and offers an easy mobile pass. Uber and Lyft are also widely available.